Are music conferences ripping people off?

[Thedy B]

If you are an artist who paid to perform at the conference, or you are a producer who paid to be in a beat battle, or you were just an attendee of the conference, I've got some questions for you:

Let's cut to the chase: how much have you paid to attend or perform at a music conference? Give us ranges. Do you feel you got your money's worth? What was the measurable result of your attendance or performance at the conference? How many people were in attendance at the conference? Out of all the people who were attendees, how many people of those attendees would you stayed for the actual performance or beat battle? Were there any industry people at your performance at the conference? Were you able to talk to any industry people? If you are an artist, were you given the ability to sell your product through having a booth at the conference? Was the booth rental included in the price you paid? If you sold some product, were you able to recoup the money you spent to attend or perform? Were you able to make some new fans? Get email addresses? Anything?

It's a lot of questions, but essentially I'm asking did you get out of it what you paid, what you expected, and what you wanted?

Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
hitsamillion.blogspot.com

[Thedy B]

thank you for posting (:-)

let me ask you this: on the performance side, have you participated in any beat battles at conferences?

[Leslie G.]

Why do you think beat battles are great for up and comers? Not to knock you. I mean, just b/c you can make a great beat doesn't mean you're a great PRODUCER. A beat maker and producer are two different things. Just like a battle rapper and an MC/lyricist are two different beings. The battle rapper may get the crowd, but the MC will have a career. I guess it depends on your perspective.

[D.Q.]

I moved to Nashville in 2006 and I went to every conference I could that year from NYC to ATL. Some were better than others. I've never entered a beat battle. I don't necessarily see the benefit in it. That's not a knock. I've heard some incredible tracks at beat battles but, I've also heard some terrible tracks in regular rotation on radio. When I attend a conference, I'm primarily looking to gain valuable information from the panelists. I have yet to be disappointed in that regard.

[Thedy B]

well the beat battles are good IF 1) they allow you to hear other tracks so you can see what and who you're up against in the industry 2) allow you to get recognized as a producer at a conference; 3) allows others to hear your music; 4) you can get feedback on your music (at the DP conference, they had seasoned producers give the newer producers feedback on their tracks, beats and mixes and gave real advice) 5) allows you to network with other songwriters who need producers, producers looking for new talent, and artists looking for producers; and 6) allows you to win a prize if a prize is offered... If you don't need any of that, then I guess it isn't worth it.

How much are beat battles to enter into anyway?

[D.Q.]

I've been a member of DP for 2 years now. I went to the conference in 2006. It was great. I went to the beat battle as well. Some of the guys in the beat battle had more fire than the guys that were judging. From what I've seen though, it's not about who has the hottest beat accept in a competition. That's just not the approach I'm taking. I'm not trying to knock it or discourage anyone else. I can get all of the beneifts you mentioned above without entering a battle except for the prize money:)

[Leslie G.]

Honestly, my first time ever attending anything like Remix Hotel was last year. I didn't know what to expect. I was so starstruck. I had no idea of what to do, what to bring, how to network, etc. I DID however meet some great people (up and coming producers) and I got to talk to some big tymers lol (I asked DJ Toomp and Nitti about beefing up my drums in Reason and I spoke with Arnaz "Nazty One" Smith - he made Jeezy's 'Corporate Thuggin' about music production, he told me that I was 'slippin' b/c I didn't have a music cd and that it was good to see female producers in the game. I even said hi to Scott Storch and asked him what he thought about the state of music. It was a great conference and it was inspiring to see everyone's grind. I even attended a beat battle for the first time- it was truly one of the best parts of the conference- and Talib Kweli was one of the judges and PERFORMED old and new songs off his then new album. I had a great time, I didn't want it to end.

But now that I know about networking, educated myself (by going to sites like this) and have learned some things about this business, I am planning for SUCCESS at my next conferences, Remix and Atlantis! Look forward to seeing you there Thedy!

Beat battles, on the other hand, are sometimes held by separate organizations other than the conference holders. I don't like that you have to PAY to be in a beat battle or PAY to have to go somewhere to have your music critiqued, but I would do my research about who is going to be there, are they credible within the industry and what you get if you win. I guess as long as the price is REASONABLE, then its ok. Paying $100 to get in a beat battle is RIDICULOUS! I don't care WHO'S gonna be there!

[The Product]

I agree with Kasino for the most part. i went to the conference that came to Philly. Let's see you had mike Jones, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Beanie Siegel. Other industry folks were in attendance. I think most of the people who paid to get in was expecting some kind of secret on how to get a deal...honestly. My mind set wasn't so. I wanted to meet the starving artist in my city, but they were so worried about spending their hard earned 75 bucks that they missed out on real opportunities. As far as beat battles go, I wouldn't pay to be in one. Nor would i pay to see one. I've been on sites where you battle online, and honestly that helped me to be more creative with my beatmaking. But then you get so caught up in making battle beats that song structure and progression go out the window. So needless to say that stopped. But I agree with KB, if your coming up or just starting, you should do those things until you realize you dont need to. ~ TPE